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Marry Me {DemonHuntress12}

Avery's hand was small and oddly delicate against Dorian's much bigger palm, which seemed to swallow those smaller, paler digits. He waited for Prince Avery to rise from his seat and both the Queen and his sisters rose in tandem. Together, they bowed or curtsied before the pair and bid them goodbye. Stepping outside the room, Dorian let out a laboured sigh.

"I'm sorry... I thought that she would only make introductions. I didn't think that she would ambush you with all of that attention." He apologised, ducking his head a little and feeling deeply embarrassed. "My mother can be rather... exuberant. I never expected all of... that." He explained, giving Avery a little smile, trying to be comforting.
 
Avery hadn't expected an apology, he didn't need one. It was almost sweet how enthusiastic the Queen was, although he could have done with a little more of a muted response to start with. He was tired and still getting used to the idea of being married. He suppose he should just be grateful that no one hated him yet.

"Ah, it's fine. She was very kind" Avery said, giving a little smile of his own. "Your family seems lovely, very welcoming. I'm sure we'll all get along well" He hoped they would, it was the bare minimum he wanted.

"I'm sorry if my arrival has caused you...difficulties" He said slowly, thinking of all the ways him showing up could cause Prince Dorian trouble. "I'm not high maintenance. I'm sure I won't get in your way"
 
Dorian reached around his neck and pulled his hair over his shoulder with his free hand, stroking it to keep himself calm. It was an old habit that his mother had tried to get him to break but since he was finally out from under her eye, he was going to indulge in it as much as he damned well pleased.

“I’m glad that she didn’t send you running at the very least. She’s been all but bouncing off the walls in her excitement at your arrival.” He explained, smiling a little bashfully and stepping to the side so a pair of servant girls could pass.

He moved to continue but paused when Prince Avery apologised. It took him a moment to realise what the other was talking about and the conclusion he reached didn’t make any sense. “Uh… What do you mean? You didn’t cause us any difficulties…”
 
Avery wondered if he had said something wrong when Prince Dorian stopped and seemed to consider what he had said. He bit is bottom lip, worrying it between his teeth in a bad habit that he himself had. Ah, had he messed up already?

"I just mean...my arrival wasn't wanted by everyone. I don't want to interrupt anyone's life" He said slowly, trying to word his thoughts delicately. "I just mean to apologise if I am putting you out in any way" Did that make sense? He hoped so. He wasn't sure how else he could speak unless he was incredibly blunt and that just wasn't in his nature.

"Please, let us continue" He said, using their joined hand to gesture in the direction they had been walking in.
 
Dorian kept searching his memory for any time in recent events that his family had complained or griped about having to prepare for Prince Avery’s arrival. He shook his head, though it was more for himself than anything.

“I… I think you may have gotten confused about something. You were wanted here, that’s why my mother reacted so warmly to you… I mean… my mother made sure that everything was perfect for your arrival because she wants you here. My sisters were thinking about what they could show you all week.”

Even his brother, the upright and proper Prince Peyter, had worried himself sick over Prince Avery’s arrival.
 
Avery hesitated before sighing. "It seems I was told a few things that were untrue" He murmured. His father had...made it very clear that this was an alliance that was preventing a war, that it was the only reason he was going and that no one would truly want the enemy there. It seemed that this was just wrong.

He smiled a little. "I appreciate their enthusiasm, I certainly feel welcome" He said, having not expected such a warm welcome. He silently cursed his father for preying on his insecurities, as always, and making this harder than it actually had to be.
 
Dorian tilted his head in confusion, wondering where Avery might have gotten this strange sort of intel. “Who told you all of this? Why would they put these kinds of doubts in your head?” He had to ask, starting down the hallway once the young women had passed them. One of these days, he was going to learn their names.

“I hope that it might put you at ease some if I tell you that you’re more than welcome here. We’ve all been running ourselves ragged preparing for you.” He expressed, bringing Avery around to stand before an ornate door.
 
"A-ah, it doesn't matter" Avery said, not wanting to say that it was his father. There were probably already thoughts about the warmongering man and he didn't want to make it any worse. Then again, perhaps that was something else he was misled about. It was frustrating. He wasn't sure what was true and what wasn't.

He smiled as they came to a door, pausing outside and nodding. "I appreciate it, truly" He reiterated. "I hope to worthy of the welcome, of your expectations" That last thing he wanted now was for them to all be so kind to him and he be undeserving of that kindness.
 
Reaching out, Dorian opened the doors and showed off what lay within. It was nothing too opulent, for his mother had said that they didn’t want to intimidate the arriving Prince. It was actually fairly simple, for their palace. There was a bed, desk and wardrobe as well as a few amenities to make it more comfortable.

“You’re already worthy.” Dorian expressed, stepping inside and spreading out his other arm in a welcoming gesture. “There is a bathroom through that room and a bell pull in case you require something. But… I’m sure Jakob… is that right?” He asked, suddenly realising how little attention he had been paying to the third man in the equation.
 
The room was nice, enough for Avery. He didn't need nor did he expect much. A bed and somewhere to rest was all he required. He was thankful for whatever they could give him since he was the one imposing. Or perhaps he wasn't, they all seemed happy he was there. Was that still an imposition?

He blinked at the other Prince's comment but didn't mention it, looking around and glancing to the door. "Yes, Jakob" He said, glancing behind to see that Jakob had indeed followed them, hovering at a polite distance so they could talk without him listening to every word. If he needed anything Jakob would quickly get it for him, not that he thought he would require much. As he said, he wasn't high maintenance.

"Thank you for escorting me, I hope that I can remember the route" He had a feeling he'd get lost a couple of times but there were people all over the place. Likely, he could ask if he struggled.
 
Tucking his arms behind his back and clasping his hands together, Dorian looked around and wondered if it was too little. Maybe, he mused, they should have put together something bigger or nicer? With better furniture? Taking it all in as he was, he couldn’t help but feel like it all felt too… simple.

“Sorry, sometimes names take me some time to remember.” It was a flimsy excuse but he hadn’t wanted to admit that he had never thought about having to remember the names of any of his own servants, much less someone else’s. Turning back to Avery, he searched around for something else that he could say or suggest, just to stop this awkward silence that seemed intent on encroaching.

“My own room is just down the hallway,” He pointed out of the door, to a doorway that lay on the left. “If you find yourself getting lost, just find that door and you’ll be able to find your own room.”
 
"It's fine. You've only just met" Avery said, not minding in the slightest. He was close with Jakob and he was always with him, Dorian would likely have to remember him at least because he was often around. He wouldn't have a chance to forget him.

It was awkward after that...what were they meant to talk about? They were to be married but talking about that felt off limits at the moment. He wasn't sure what he should or shouldn't say. As Dorian mentioned his room, Avery looked around to see where he was pointing. "I see. I'll be sure use that as a point of reference" His room was very close, almost too close. His father would be horrified to hear that they were even in the same wing. Not that his opinion mattered here.

He was quiet for a moment, looking around and trying to think of something else to say. Gods above this was awful.
 
“I will do. I may not be good at remembering names but I’m sure I’ll hear it enough times to be speaking it in my sleep.” Dorian tried to joke but his weak grin vanished quickly. Somehow, nothing seemed to be all that funny about this situation.

Somehow, every attempt at starting a conversation seemed to be falling flat and his mind was racing with subjects but none of them were the right one! “I hope that us being this close won’t be a problem… I know that some couples are expected to share a bed but we… we are only engaged so…” Shit! There was no way that was the right thing to say! What was he thinking?! Of all the thoughts for him to have, why had that had to come out of his mouth!
 
Avery's eyes widened for a moment at the mention of sharing a bed. His father would be horrified at the thought. He personally...well, that was a thought for another time. "It's fine. In my home couples don't share a bed until they are married" He said, although he feared that was the wrong thing to say. Were things so different here? Did engaged couples do such things?

"It doesn't matter though! I'm happy you're close" He admitted. Having Prince Dorian nearby was a comfort he wouldn't ignore. "I...I hope you don't mind if I interrupt your lifestyle" That was what he was truly worried about, ruining his betrothed's happiness.
 
Dorian could have bitten off his own tongue, he was so embarrassed by what he had just said! He couldn’t believe that he had done or said anything so ridiculous. “I’m sorry, I sincerely apologise. I never thought that… I…” His voice failed, leaving him to bury his face in his hands. Of course they couldn’t share a bed! They had only just met, damn it!

It seemed that no matter what he tried, he kept finding a way to screw things up! “O-Of course not. Perhaps, you could even accompany me? I was planning on going out for a ride tomorrow and I could even give you a tour of the Kingdom?”
 
It seemed they were both equally awkward about this topic. He could barely believe it. His father would have a fit thinking their bedrooms were so close, not to mention sharing a bed. He tried not to think about it. Perhaps customs here were different, although Dorian seemed just as embarrassed about the situation.

"I would enjoy that" He said, his cheeks slightly pink because of their previous conversation. A tour of the Kingdom sounded lovely and perhaps a ride would let him get to know his betrothed better. He wanted that. If they were to be married for the good of their Kingdoms, he at least wanted to get along with him.
 
In the hopes of salvaging the situation before he could make an even bigger fool of himself, Dorian cleared his throat and took a small step forward. “Our palace has a host of horses and if you wish, I’m sure one of our grooms could choose the gentlest of them all. Have you ever ridden before?” He asked.

“I know a riding path that would take us all around the borders of the Kingdom… perhaps we could even take a lunch and get to know each other a little?” He suggested. Now that he had this idea, he was going to take it and run with it whilst the iron was still hot.
 
Avery was a little embarrassed to speak. "I...I have not. My father did not think it necessary when I travel by carriage" He admitted. His father had thought it useless for him to ride and had told him as much when he asked multiple times. He made it very clear that he thought that Avery learning to ride would be a waste of time and he wasn't allowed. Now...maybe he could?

"That sounds lovely" Avery said with a smile. It truly did. A day out where he could maybe get to know his betrothed a little better. "I'll trust you to take care of me" He would need help and he just hoped that Prince Dorian would be willing.
 
Dorian’s eyebrows rose in surprise. He would have thought that anyone in their position would have taken every chance they could get to go horse riding or sailing or whatever they did for leisure time in Avery’s kingdom. “It…. Forgive me if I’m overstepping, but it sounds to me like you haven’t had very much freedom in your home?”

Dorian, never one to stay still for long lest he become restless, would rather go swimming or sailing or riding or even just walk around than sit in a carriage for hours on end. “I’ll see to it that the preparations are made. If there is anything you prefer to eat, I can take your requests to the kitchens.”
 
Avery hesitated, clearly struggling with what to say. What could he say? Yes, his father had kept him and his siblings on a very tight leash, ensuring they were smart and talented but only in things he deemed worthy? "I have had enough" He eventually said, not wanting to speak ill of his father.

"I...would like to eat whatever is your favourite" Avery decided. It would be nice to see what his betrothed enjoyed and perhaps he could get to know him in more ways. Learning his favourite things was a good start he thought. "I'll follow your lead in this short expedition"
 
Dorian’s eyebrows fell like stones thrown at heaven, coming together and his forehead creased in a look of concern. “It looks to me like your definition of freedom and the one I know are from two different books…” Fuck different books, these weren’t even from the same library!

“But I asked for your favourite?” He asked innocently, wondering if Avery was going to be like this through his entire visit. Leaving decisions on where they went and what they said, following his lead like a baby duckling.
 
"Ah, perhaps, but I am happy and that is what matters" Avery said diplomatically, He wouldn't speak ill of his father or the opportunities he was given, he couldn't do it. He did agree that they likely had different definitions. They had likely come from very different backgrounds even if they were both royalty.

He laughed a little, ducking his head as Dorian shot the question back to him. "I suppose...I enjoy sweet things" He eventually said. What was his favourite? Did he have one? He ate what was put in front of him and he was grateful for it. "There are cherry cakes that Jakob makes that I like quite a lot. I suppose they're my favourite"
 
Dorian’s face worked into a look of concern. There was sheltered and then there was… this prince. Had he ever set foot outside of his palace? Somehow, he doubted that. For all he knew, this was the first time that Avery had seen a fraction of what lay outside of his home. It had to be pretty disorienting.

“Sweet things… Cherry cake…” Turning to Jakob, he found himself trying to summon a smile. “If I show you where the kitchen is, would you be able to pass on the recipe to these cakes? We have plenty of cherries or we should do… But other fruits should be able to suffice if not.” He couldn’t recall if he had been told about the stores of their kitchens.
 
Jakob was surprised when he was brought into the conversation, looking between his prince and Prince Dorian. He bowed as he was asked about the recipe. "Of course. I would be honored" He said, happy to share if it made his prince happy. Besides, having others that made Avery's comfort food would only be useful.

"You don't have to go so far, it's not that important" Avery said, a little embarrassed about the whole thing. Sure, it was something he liked but he didn't need Prince Dorian to have them made for him. He would be happy with anything he was given. It truly wasn't important.
 
Dorian gave Jakob a beaming smile, then turned his attention back to Avery. He needed to make a few things clear and it was concerning how… unconcerned Avery seemed to be about his own wants and needs and desires. “You say that but here’s the thing. I want to. I want to keep you comfortable.”

Taking advantage of a sudden surge of bravery, Dorian reached out and for a moment, one would have been forgiven for thinking that he was about to take Avery’s hand but, instead, he grasped his shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze.
 
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